Omnium Employee Benefits

Can flexible working benefit your business?

Flexible working hours are becoming the norm, with many people looking to employers to offer more options. According to a survey by YouGov of 4,295 adults, only 6% now work the traditional hours of 9am to 5pm.

Given the choice, well over half (57%) of people working full-time would prefer to start earlier than 9am in order to finish earlier than 5pm, while just under half (48%) would be prepared to work a longer day in return for a shorter working week. Overall, the majority (70%) of those polled would like to work more flexibly in the future with roughly the same proportion (69%) saying that it would encourage them to stay in a job for longer.    

The law states that all employees who have worked for the same employer for more than six months have the legal right to request flexible working. This can be refused for valid business reasons, but many employers are starting to think about the benefits of flexible hours, such as staff morale and retention, lower stress levels and less absenteeism, all of which can lead to improved productivity.

Research conducted by ACAS, the industrial relations trade body, found that flexible working helps personal and team effectiveness, as well as encouraging employees to ‘give back’ to their employers.

Other experts have found that flexible hours can provide employers with access to wider talent pools and that advances in technology have meant that many employees don’t have to be in the office five days a week and can work from home.

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We can help put together employee benefits packages that help reward and motivate your team. Talk to one of our experts on: 01483 205890

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